The Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin contains many geological gems. From rocks that tell the story of the ancient, shallow tropical sea that once covered the area to the stunning rock formations that make up the Wisconsin Dells On August 27 at Trempeleau National Wildlife Refuge academy members and community members joined the Wisconsin Academy on a deep dive into the Driftless Area.
The Driftless region’s original inhabitants were members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Bill Quackenbush discussed the importance of the Driftless region to Ho-Chunk Nation history, and discussed ongoing efforts in the region to conserve Tribal resources.
Geologist Eric Carson took us on a journey through time, back to the formation of the rocks and landforms that shape the Driftless region today. Attendees learned how millions of years of geological processes—including tectonic activity, glaciation, and erosion—have contributed to the area's stunning natural beauty.
This talk explored the story of the ancient, shallow tropical sea that once covered the region and how the myriad of ancient landscapes that once existed here are preserved in the rock record. Attendees also took a closer look at how the slow processes of erosion have exposed the local rock layers in the deep river valleys of the Driftless Area, and how cataclysmic erosion formed the stunning sandstone formations of the Wisconsin Dells in a geologic instant.
Support
Thanks to the Wisconsin Academy donors, members, and the following event sponsors for their support:
The Time Traveling Through Wisconsin's Geology Series is sponsored by the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Color in the Outdoors
